Part 3, Chapter 8 Summary

The next morning Hearn talks to Red and on an impulse offers him the rank of corporal. Red rejects it, hating Hearn's attempts to be friendly, but for one moment being tempted to accept. Hearn asks Croft what Martinez discovered the previous night, and Croft replies that the mountain pass is clear of Japanese. Hearn thinks it strange that the Japanese are not guarding the pass, and promises the men that they will turn back if they find any Japanese. Hearn leads the patrol into the pass, and is killed by a bullet in his chest half an hour later, just as Croft had hoped.

The men retreat with little regret for Hearn's death, but glad that it will give them an excuse for turning back. When Croft tells them they are going to continue, they are shocked and resentful.